The air felt heavy. I didn't know what was happening but it sure felt like something was going on. Taka hopped from my shoulder to my arm sensing the same feeling I had."Find out what's going on."Taka took off into the air as I started walking down the street again.The night was cool and normally would have been quite relaxed and inviting with the warm lights of stores and people conversing. I watched kakashi and Gai's rambunctious exchange as they passed. Though it was more Gai who was being rambunctious while Kakashi was just responding. I smiled and shook my head before looking up to see what Taka was doing.He looked uncomfortable in the tense air. Diving back down towards me after a few minutes. When he landed I listened to his report. A lot of movement of other birds outside the village. Something was definitely going on.Almost as soon as Taka finished his report an alarm went up. They were supposed to gather whenever that alarm went up. I grimaced and clenched my teeth. Taka took off and I followed heading to sector 1, though I didn't rush so as not to be at the rendezvous spot too quickly. I wanted to try and get some idea of what was going on. As I made my way I could tell more shinobi were mobilizing. What started as a trickle of motion into assigned locations became a stream before a short time before thining out again as everyone reached their destinations.Haiku and Kokuei were already there when I arrived."Hey. Do you know what's going on?""No, we figured you and Taka would know.""Taka said he saw lots of movement in the trees outside the village. But other than that, I have no idea." I replied, sticking my hands in my pockets. I was acting relaxed and casual but I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going on. Especially with these higher level shinobi guarding them."Aww come on why won't they tell us?" Haiku grumbled crossing his arms"We're just genin they- " a giant bang sounded nearby. "What was that?" I moved close to the other two lining up in formation. Taka hopped onto her head from her arm before taking off into the air.Ninja art: Eagle eye jutsu. I formed the signs and closed my eyes leaning against Haiku as my vision went into Taka's. Haiku leaned back against me, supporting me as subtly as we could.Taka looked over the village and almost instantly we saw the problem. The nine tails. The nine tails was here in the village. Taka dropped back down to me and I released the jutsu standing back up straight, Taka taking up his usual spot on my padded arm."That was fast. What is it?""The nine tails is attacking the village.""What?! No way! We need to help!""We would just be going to die." Kokuei bit out.I looked at him shocked. I didn't expect Kokuei to be so harsh. He was usually the most soft spoken of the three of us. Even though when he did speak up he was usually the most accurate of us."Yes" I started quietly "We're surveillance specialists anyway. We would only get in the way if we tried to fight it." finishing with more strength.I hated saying it. Even though it was true. We couldn't help. Not in a situation like this. I wasn't strong enough."That's why there are guards keeping us here, huh?" Haiku said thoughtfully. I gave him a quizzical look. What was he saying?"What do you mean?" I asked."They're protecting us from the nine tails here." He started. "But they're also entrapping us. Making sure we don't leave.""Yeah, for our protection. I still don't get what you mean." I grumbled. He sounded ridiculous."Ughhh. Normally we would be evacuating civilians and helping back up the lines. Right? But they have us all standing here."He was right. Normally we would have been given busy work."So why aren't we?""I was hoping you would be able to figure it out.""How the heck am I supposed to figure that out!?"He chuckled and stepped back from my swing at his shoulder. Taka chirped as he tried to rebalance on my other arm before giving up and switching to my head. My half hearted punch having failed, I took a deep breath to calm myself."Well...the ninetails appearing is a natural disaster right? Maybe it's because it's not related to the war?" I wasn't very confident in my own answer but it at least kind of sounded like an answer."Nah. That doesn't seem likely." Haiku denied shrugging."If you weren't going to like my answer, why did you ask?" I ground out snarling at him. A giant crash sounded nearby again startling me from my distraction. I looked around at our guards, they were starting to look nervous too. I really needed to get a full grasp on what was going on."Taka. Please take a look again." I asked forming the hand signs for my jutsu again. As I shut my eyes I felt Haiku grip my shoulder."Hey give me a bit of a warning next time." He grumbled half heartedly.Taka took to the air flying above the walls of our sector. It really was terrifying to see. The ninetails was rampaging through the village. Shinobi were throwing themselves at the beast only to be swatted back like they were nothing. I could only imagine how many of them were dying in each strike. It was a horrific sight.Dad.Other hawks. I had to check for other hawks. He should be staying back from the fighting but she had to check.Quickly.Quickly.Oh no. There. There were hawks near the ninetails. Had to find his bird. But they were so far away. Taka took off towards the fighting. Searching for my father's bird, Enji.No.My jutsu faded with my shock. Enji was there. That meant her father was nearby that beast. I dropped to the floor in disbelief."What is it?" Kokuei asked."Enji is in the sky around that beast." I gasped out. My voice quivering.Haiku squatted down next to me. "He could be far back with just Enji up there." He squeezed my shoulder trying to be reassuring. I nodded, unable to stop my trembling. But I shouldn't be selfish. I could tell through my own trembling that Haiku was barely holding his worry at bay too. Looking up I saw Kokuei was in much the same condition. I gripped the earth digging my nails into the dirt. I had to get it together. Taka alighted back down onto my head as I finally sat up straighter. They couldn't forget Noriko-sensei."Yeah. We just gotta hope they all get through this ok." I affirmed.I stood back up as Haiku backed into his previous position. The three of us stood together quietly for a time, listening to the sounds of fighting and explosions outside their area. It felt like ages passed. I didn't know how the fighting was still going on.Suddenly the sound changed. First it was just another loud crash, but then the following crashes decreased in level."Somethings changed."My teammates nodded and I could tell the guards had noticed the difference too. Everyone was looking around trying to figure out what had changed. A new ninja appeared talking to one of the guards before disappearing again. Something had indeed changed. That and even the muffled crashes were fading away into silence."Can Taka check again?" Kokuei asked.I nodded and repeated the same process as before. He hovered in the thermals above us. The nine tails was gone. The part of the village it had been in was wrecked. One wall and the trees outside the village were ripped apart but it seemed like the danger had passed."The nine tails is gone." I said releasing the jutsu. A wave of relief passed through me and my teammates but it was followed in short order by the pit in my stomach becomign more pronounced. "Now to figure out who all we lost."That was what I was dreading most. The list of the dead that would surely come to light. All killed while we had been kept safely away from the fighting."Hey guards. When you gonna let us out?" I shouted, grabbing their attention. "If the fighting is over there is no reason to keep us surrounded like this."A few looked surprised at my statement but one or two just looked sad instead. Those ones were thinking the same thing I was, I was sure. The were thinking that in front of them were a bunch of kids many of whom had probably lost loved ones. They didn't want us to stumble upon the bodies. I clenched my fists. Damn it. They weren't going to do anything, not without instructions from higher.After a few minutes another shinobi appeared and started talking to the guards. But shortly on his heels came Noriko-sensei. Her red hair was tied back in a ponytail and her eyes were fixed on us. Something was wrong. I was relieved she was alive but something in her eyes told me that something bad had happened.We ran to meet her and she met us halfway. "Tsume, Haiku, Kokuei. I'm glad you all are alright." She started."Sensei, is it over? What happened?" Haiku asked"Yes it's over. I'm sure you already know some of what happened." She said looking to Taka and I. Her eyes softened and my stomach dropped to my toes."Tsume-""He's dead." I cut her off.Her eyes tightened and after a moment she nodded. "I'm sorry.""He shouldn't have been that close." I mumbled reeling."It caught us by surprise…" Noriko-sensei responded.I sank to the ground. Taka moving onto my right arm before I embraced him in my arms entirely.Her mouth opened and closed a few times. LIke she was going to explain more but thought better of it."I'm sorry." She finally added placing her hand on my shoulder. I let her, too numb to move.I couldn't move, I couldn't think, I couldn't breath.I could breathI couldn't-I woke up back home. I didn't know how I got back here. The dull gray light was streaming through a window and Taka was asleep on a perch in my room.Dead. He was dead. The knowledge hit me like a truck all over again. Right. Slowly I sat up from my bed. Looking out the window, the day was overcast. How fitting.I didn't want to move, but I also didn't want to stay here. The sound of crying echoed through my closed door. It was probably mom. I felt wetness form on my own cheeks in response. I needed out. It convinced me to get dressed. Sliding on some shoes I still had in my room I opened my window. Taka, having woken up as I shuffled about, flew out the window and I followed through behind him. Dropping the single story to the ground with ease. I didn't want to face my mother. Not in this house filled with memories of him. Taka took up his position on my shoulder, the weight of him a comfort.Once outside the compound of my clan I picked a direction and walked. I didn't really have a particular direction in mind, just away.I walked without thinking for a long time only to find myself at the hole the nine tails had created in the village wall. Just one night had passed and they were already starting to clean up the debris. As I stared I recalled what I had seen. Enji flying towards the nine tails. How long had Dad survived after I had seen that? How long from his death till the attack had ended?So much damage, and in such a short amount of time. If he had just been in a different part of the village last night he would have survived. I pursed my lips staring at the hole."He was a great shinobi." A voice stated behind me stirring me from my staring. I looked back to see Noriko sensei who was staring at the hole as well."He was a great Dad." I countered feeling my chest tighten. Memories with my dad coming back unbidden."Yes. He was that too. Above all else."I dropped my eyes to the ground. Despite the start of cleanup operations the ground was still littered with rock and debris. Noriko sensei placed her hand on my free shoulder. I understood the sentiment but it was too much for me right now. I crouched down breaking the contact and grabbing a small rock at my feet. I was on the verge of breaking down. But I couldn't. I didn't know why but something was telling me I just couldn't allow myself to."You're allowed to cry, you know." Sensei stated.I felt my resolve cracking at her words. I gripped the rock as tight as I could, feeling the sharp edges bite into my palm trying to fight it. But my vision was already blurring and my breath hitching. "Why?""Probably...because he wanted to protect you." Noriko-sensei said quietly.I heard her but said nothing. Quietly sobbing on the ground. I was faintly aware of the sound of retreating footsteps as I mourned, but I didn't stop.Slowly, after what felt like hours though it could have been minutes or days, my tears ran out and I looked to the sky rocking onto my heels. I didn't feel better but I also didn't feel the immense pain I had felt before. A strange quiet. That's what it was. I stood taking the stone and putting it into my pocket and turned away.The house had fallen silent by the time I returned that night. I barely registered my surroundings. Merely changed and went to bed.In the following days I barely moved beyond what was required for me to function. That was until the memorial ceremony came upon the village. Then I finally dragged myself back out into the village with Taka. On my way there Haiku joined me first then Kokuei. Silently we walked together to the ceremony and fell into the formation in front of the memorial arrangement. The hokage's photo was front and center but I barely noticed it. My eyes were fixed on my father's photo. There, the 4th one from the right. He looked so serious in this photo.It brought up images of him smiling and welcoming me home from the academy or a mission. Him tending to his bird Enji, or some new hatchling. My eyes were so tired and dry from crying but the tears came again anyway.Suddenly a hand gripped mine. Surprised, I looked to my right. It was Haiku. He wasn't looking at me but he didn't need to. I wiped my eyes with my free hand, but when I dropped it I felt a hand grip that one as well. I looked to the other side to see Kokuei. He smiled at me though it didn't reach his eyes. A small smile crossed my face despite the pain I still felt in my heart.Right, I still had my teammates. My sensei, and my friends. Finally pulled from my stupor a little I looked at the other pictures and faces around me. So many people lost and yet so many left behind. People we still had to protect. I had to get stronger, so if something bad ever happened again I can do more than just stand around uselessly. I dropped their hands, wiping the remainder of my tears away.Slowly the ceremony came to an end and the people thinned out, many going to mourn in their own way, till only a handful remained. My teammates had stayed with me, but I only noticed when I finally turned away from the alter. I looked at both of them surprised."Y-You could have gone home." I stuttered."Yeah. We could have. But you're our teammate." Haiku stated."Thank you." I replied with a grateful smile looking down at the ground. I really did appreciate them. I knew they were going to be important to me for a long time. Honestly, they had already been important friends for a while now.Departing the ceremonial area we walked together in comfortable silence for a while until we reached a convenience store. I looked at the food available but nothing looked appealing. In fact my stomach turned at most of it. The other two went inside. While I sat on the bench outside watching people pass. As I sat I noticed Kakashi walking by.He was only 2 years older than I was but he was already far above me and the rest of his peers. He looked as empty as I felt though. His skill hadn't changed anything.I was pulled from my people watching by an onigiri being shoved in front of my face. I looked up and saw Kokuei was the one handing it to me."I know you're not interested, but eating is important." He stated. Emphasizing the food he held out to me again.I took it and stared at it for a while. It looked awful, but nonetheless I opened it and took a bite. It tasted like slime and sand more than food but Kokuei had insisted so I would appease him.Kokuei watched me for a little before opening his own snack and taking a seat next to me. Together we ate in silence. Haiku came out shortly after we started but we all said nothing as we ate."We'll get stronger. We'll protect everyone next time." Haiku stated with conviction, crushing the remaining plastic in his fist.Kokuei and I nodded. Looking out over the village from where I sat I watched as lights started to flicker on as it grew darker. I had to get home soon. I dreaded the thought but I also didn't want to make my mother worry. I gripped the side of the bench briefly before standing."Thank you guys." I said "I should head home now."The other two looked at each other the concern visible on their faces. I shook my head."I'll be ok." I said. "Nothings gonna happen between here and home." I turned away. The other two had to go separate directions from here to head to their homes anyway. Taka shifted from where he had been settled on my head most the day to my shoulder with a small chirp.I rubbed his head and started out. "Good night." I called over my shoulder and made my way home."I'm home." I called into the dark interior of my home. No response returned. Taking off my shoes in the entryway I entered our darkened home.Taka flew to his normal perch inside despite the dark. Stepping in I flicked on the kitchen light. Mother was there sitting at the kitchen table. She looked awful. Losing Dad must have been even worse for her than it was for me. I took a seat at the table with her, reached out and took her hand. She gasped and looked up and for a brief second I saw hope in her eyes before it shattered. It tugged on the hole in my heart."You should go to bed Mom." I said, faking a smile for her. Blankly she nodded and stood.My smile dropped as she disappeared into her room and after she had been quiet for a few minutes I followed her example and went to bed as well.The following weeks passed at a steady pace and slowly it seemed like the light came back into my home and the people around me. My own heart started to feel less empty. The pit was still there and probably always would be but it felt like a black hole became surrounded by light. Sometimes when I came home I thought I saw my father's shadow in the corners and that hole would shudder. But I had a feeling it would happen less and less as time went on. My mother also started to smile again as well, barely reaching her eyes at first but growing. I shared my tales with her from training and missions and we started to look towards the future and the life around us.It became less difficult to go to the memorial stone and I started to visit more often.On one occasion, at least a year after the attack, I noticed a kid a year or two younger than me crying at the shrine. I wasn't the only one though. Lord third was also there so I waited a ways back up the path, listening to their exchange. It was sad yet heartwarming as lord third comforted him. He lost both of his parents. I was lucky to have only lost one.
Taka and I made up the rest of the path as they departed, passing them with a small bow to lord third on the way. "Thank you father. I'll protect them like you protected me." I said to his name on the stone, placing my fingers against it.